Methods of inhibiting fertility

Abstract

The present invention features compositions and methods for inhibiting fertility or inducing contraception in a mammal. The compositions comprise a nucleic acid molecule, typically an immunostimulatory nucleic acid.

1 . A method for inhibiting fertility in a female mammal in need thereof comprising administering to the mammal a pharmaceutical composition comprising an isolated nucleic acid in an amount sufficient to inhibit fertility in the mammal.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid is an oligonucleotide.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid comprises an immunostimulatory sequence.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition does not comprise an antigen against which a protective immune response is desired.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mammal is a human.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mammal is a dog.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered intradermally.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered orally.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid is a phosphorothioate analogue.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the amount sufficient to induce infertility is a dose between about 50 μg/kg and about 1 mg/kg.